This paper shows how the Rational Choice Theory, especially the element of maximizing utility, best explains why Iraq decided to resort to war and invade Iran in 1981.
2,010 words (approx. 8 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 63.95
From the Paper "A territorial dispute concerning the Shatt-el-Arab waterway was a key issue foreshadowing a crisis between Iraq and Iran. The river was vital to economic prosperity to whoever controlled it, which was Iran at the time of the crisis. It is located at the northernmost area of the Persian Gulf, thus providing strategic access to oil rights and maritime activity (Tahir-Kheli and Ayubi 12). Disputes over the waterway even date back to the early 17th century. Briefly, however, Iraq wanted the entire river, while Iran demanded half of it ( Tahir-Kheli and Ayubi 20). The Algiers Treaty, made at the end of an OPEC summit conference on March 6, 1975, finally granted Iran's demand. Although in theory the treaty was an approach to a peaceful resolution between the two countries, it increased tensions even more. Saddam Hussein perceived the treaty to be humiliating for Iraq and was, therefore, determined to revise it. However, as long as Iran was capable of preponderant political and military forces, Iraq would have to adhere to the treaty."
Abstract An argumentative paper about the risks of genetic engineering on human cloning. The author discusses the concept and its moral, religious and scientific feasibility. The author sways to the negative aspects of human cloning (such as its dangers and moral questions) emphasizing the unnatural aspect of the phenomenon.
From the Paper "Well, you look in the mirror and you see yourself, or look at your brother who was cloned from you. It would be nice to have someone exactly like you, but there are certain things that would be very chaotic. How would having a clone be chaotic? Billy had a brother named David, and David was the clone; and David found out he was cloned from his brother. David felt that he was inferior because he was not naturally created. The individuality that David is entitled to possess is shattered. So, David thinks that since he was not naturally resurrected he would take his life. Does the poor child have to face this life even if it was not his choice to be born by DNA from his brother?"
Abstract A paper which gives a general summary of the connections between Islam, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, and how terrorists have scarred the public's view of Muslims.
From the Paper "In the media frenzy following the September 11 attacks, it is easy to find a wealth of information on the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Osama bin Laden. Virtual every newspaper, magazine, and television newscast includes some amount of information concerning Afghanistan. However, wading through the barrage of facts can prove to be overwhelming. With so many facts and figures whirling around, it can be hard to sort through it all. Some Americans who have not kept up on their facts are a little mixed up and have blamed the entire Muslim faith. How did Islam get twisted so badly?"
Abstract This paper examines the controversial legal and political issue of Affirmative Action. The paper provides an historical overview of Affirmative Action and discusses its effectiveness, causes of its reversal, and its myths.
From the Paper "From its beginnings, Taylor and Liss (1992) indicate that Affirmative Action has been highly controversial. Critics charge that Affirmative Action policies violate the constitutional principle that all individuals are equal under the law. Advocates of Affirmative Action respond that effective remedies must exist, likely for some unknown period, to aid groups that have suffered from adverse discrimination in the past. In recent years, Affirmative Action has been a highly controversial legal and political issue. With legislatures, courts, and the public divided over the issue, the actual effectiveness of Affirmative Action remains ambiguous (Taylor & Liss, 1992). "
Tags: african, americans, civil, discrimination, minorities, rights
Abstract This is an argumentative paper about the justification of capital punishment. The paper also examines the different views of capital punishment as well as the pros and cons of eliminating it from society.
From the Paper "In the past, people have invariably felt that if they had been wronged in some way, it was his or her right to take vengeance on the person that had wronged them. This mentality still exists, even today, but in a lesser form because the law has now outlined a person's rights and developed punishments that conform to those rights, yet allow for the retribution for their crime. However, some feel that those laws and punishments are too lax and criminals today take advantage of them knowing very well that the punishments for their crime, whether it be murder, theft, or any other number of criminal activities, will be so negligible that it may be well worth their risk.'
Abstract This paper presents a brief examination of American foreign policy from the Vietnam War to the bombardment of Cambodia, the Gulf War and the economic sanctions on Iraq as well as the present war against bin-La din's al-Qaida in Afghanistan.
From the Paper "The greatest purveyor of violence in the world today is my own government," said Martin Luther King in 1967. King's premise is presently shared by many, in the United States and elsewhere, who believe that the US is the "evil empire" of the second half of the 20th century. While the current American offensive is justified by many throughout the political spectrum ? The Nation's Richard Falk maintains that "The war in Afghanistan against apocalyptic terrorism" is the first truly just war since World War II" ? others argue that the bombardment is merely another example of the violent, disdainful nature of America's foreign policy. The American intervention in WWII, of course, is widely regarded as a necessary contribution to the containment of the expansionist Nazi aggressors. Not too many people repudiate the legitimacy of that war ? the mere existence of various non-white ethnic groups throughout the world is enough to dispel any counter notions. In retrospect, most people agree that the US would have saved the life of millions had it recognized the nature of the enemy sooner, and thus joined the war earlier. "
Abstract This paper discusses the new emerging technology of cloning. The author looks at the scientific advantages and moral implications of this new phenomenon.
From the Paper "Only four years after scientists cloned a sheep in Scotland, the ability to clone human beings is about to make the transition from science fiction to science fact. In recent news, announcements have been made regarding both the advancement of technology to clone and the interests expressed by some to utilize this technology. One such case is of an American couple who lost their 10-month old child to complications during a minor operation. Instead of having another child, they wanted this child. The couple felt that "their little son's genotype deserved another chance" (Talbot 40). The couple, well financed with money from a malpractice settlement, enlisted a "science-loving religious sect" called the Raelians to take frozen cells from their deceased child and make every attempt to clone him (Talbot 40). The issue of cloning humans is possibly the greatest controversy ever, as it will have the farthest-reaching effects on the world well into the future and there is a clear divide in society when the issue of cloning arises. Many support its use, while others cringe at the thought. Cloning technology is a fascinating prospect with firm roots in medical science and a strong footing in controversy as well, and responsible use will further advance higher knowledge and health."
Abstract This paper argues that pornography has a terribly negative affect on men's view of women and women's psyche. Pornography is not only highly addictive material but it's a book of lies about women portrayals. Even soft-core pornography portrays women as sex objects existing only to give sexual satisfaction to men. They are "pets" or "playmates" only from the neck down. Women in porn are big breasted and thin, these stereotypes give women self-cautious feelings around male counterparts. ?Also, pornography teaches that sex is purely fun in nature. There is no touching intimacy in pornography, only fast physical satisfaction. The paper uses the works of some feminists and socialists to prove the negative affect of pornography, but also examines opposing views.
From the Paper "Pornography is not made to educate but to sell, and for the most part, what sells is a bunch of lies about sex and women. Women are portrayed as enjoying being raped, spanked or beaten, tied up, mutilated, enslaved, or they accept it as their lot as women to be victims of such experiences."
Abstract This paper discusses the various aspects, circumstances, and effects of female sterilization in Puerto Rico, one of the most effectual and prevalent examples of a eugenics program throughout history whereby almost one-third of Puerto Rico's female population were sterilized under the banner of birth control.
From the Paper "The historic and social conditions--medical, political, legal, and religious?that were conducive to the mass sterilization movement in Puerto Rico are significant. For decades, the United States blamed overpopulation for economic problems, unemployment, and poverty in Puerto Rico, while ignoring the fact that they (the U.S) have played an enormous role in generating and solidifying these conditions (Michaelson 1981). As a result, non-official programs with the intent of distributing birth control information and educating families about the need for practices were implemented in the 1920s (Presser 1973). With the population of Puerto Rico being over eighty percent Catholic, providing these services to prevent pregnancy was a felony until the 1930s. This strong opposition from the Catholic Church, unfavorable legal status of birth control, a disinterested public, and insufficient federal funding from the United States, prevented these early programs from becoming triumphant."
Abstract This paper describes censorship and the first amendment's right of freedom of speech. The author argues that not only book banning violates that right, but also students are denied the ability to develop critical thinking. In order to support this argument, the author uses an example "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck.
From the Paper "The whole concept of book writing is that the readers be able to develop the analytical abilities required to critically assess what they see and experience in life. Books are a form of media that allow the reader to develop imaginative powers and increase their comprehension and cognitive skills. Researchers have found that when exposed to Literature at an early age a child develops better critical powers later in life. So if literature has such a profound effect on people why censor it? The list of potential books to be banned include: "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, ""Of Mice and Men"" by John Steinbeck, Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.?
To ban a book is taking from the students and the readers the right to determine on their own individual level whether what they are being exposed to in the book is right or wrong. Banning a book and censoring it is taking from readers their right to a decision and thus, compromising their fundamental right as depicted in the First Amendment."
Abstract This essay discusses the story of the US immigrant, Elian Gonzalez. The author examines how immigrants are usually treated in the United States and concludes that Elian's story does not correspond to most immigrants' stories.
From the Paper "If the story of Elian Gonzalez were typical of the experiences of all immigrants to the United States at the turn of this century, then it would reflect in a fairly realistic way on how Americans should greet their immigrants ? with a sense that each newcomer to our shores brings with him or her an entire world of potential contributions to the economy and culture of the country, just as so many immigrants have done before. "
The author examines the economy in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, analyzing the impact of the attacks on consumer confidence, the stock market, and government spending. Strategies for fixing the damage, especially by government intervention, are evaluated.
4,000 words (approx. 16 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 108.95
Abstract This paper examines the effects on specific stock exchanges, their initial fall and their subsequent rise by considering basic economic background. The author indicates that understanding the effects of terrorism on the economy is complicated due to at least three reasons: The need to look at several different sectors of the economy; different economic models that weigh elements of society differently and the different ways conservative and progressive economists look at a problem.
From the paper:
"We may feel that there is something inappropriate in talking about economics in conjunction with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, believing that instead of thinking of something that is in the end as unimportant as money we should be thinking about the larger issues of life and death and the purpose of human life."
Abstract The following paper looks at capital punishment, methods of punishment varying over the years from crucifixion, hanging, burning, and drowning. its history and the discovery of more humane forms of capital punishment, such as electrocution and lethal injection. The author of this essay claims that capital punishment provides healing for victims, safety for communities, and saves money for governments.
From the Paper "Enormous money is needed to fund imprisonment. Capital punishment reduces thesecosts, as well as being a necessity to fight crime. Often a murderer pleads guilty by criminal insanity, and returns to the streets to kill again. Programs do not exist to rehabilitate serious murderers, who are released into society to put the public at a very dangerous risk. Criminals know they have nothing to fear if no death penalty is enforced".
Abstract This paper provides a brief overview of global warming and its causes, focusing on the consequences of global warming on the world's ocean systems. It basically describes the process of global warming, the forecasted effects by scientists and environmentalists and finally gives examples of what one can do to assist in reversing this phenomena.
From the Paper "In one of his televised debates with Vice President Al Gore, George W. Bush said that scientists do not yet know the cause of global warming. This must have been a surprise indeed to all of those scientists in the world who have understood both the fact that our earth is getting hotter and the mechanism underlying this global climate shift for a number of years. This paper provides a brief overview of global warming and its causes, focusing on the consequences of global warming on the world's ocean systems."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the topic of global warming. It explains the frightening process which is occurring to Earth and gives examples of government bodies which have been set up to deal with this problem. It also discusses the effects on the environment - plants and animals alike and finally how this could ultimately end up in mass destruction.
From the Paper "The prospect of "Global Warming," a state of planetary change wherein the average ground temperatures of the entire earth are elevated to unnaturally high levels, has been around for a number of years. However, during most of the last two decades, the truths about global warming were frequently questioned and debated. It was decried by conservatives, big business, and even many well-intentioned and intelligent scientists. Global warming theory was called an error in computation, at best, or at worst it was an outright deception foisted on the public by radical anti-technology, anti-human environmentalist-wackos. However, it is now an established fact that the Earth's surface is growing warmer. Unless steps are taken to stop this progression of events, and even in spite of such steps, the vast majority of the evidence shows that the Earth will continue to grow warmer, with widespread and even catastrophic results."
